A key run blocker, Hanna will be first eligible to return in Week 8. Tue, Aug 30, 2016 04:18:00 PM

Cowboys TE James Hanna (active/PUP) has decided to undergo surgery on a lingering knee injury.

Hanna landed on the active/PUP list at the start of training camp with a bone bruise. The injury apparently has not responded to treatment, so he is opting for surgery. He will certainly miss all of the preseason, and there is a chance he could open the year on the reserve/PUP, costing him the first six games. Tue, Aug 16, 2016 08:27:00 AM

DallasCowboys.com speculates TE James Hanna could have a bigger offensive role this season.

With Gavin Escobar (Achilles') likely to start the year on the PUP, Hanna and 2015 seventh-rounder Geoff Swaim are expected to take on bigger roles. The extra snaps could lead to more offensive opportunities for Hanna, who has just 33 catches in four seasons, but there is little chance he will develop fantasy value behind iron man Jason Witten. Hanna signed a three-year, $8.25 million deal to stay in Dallas this offseason. Thu, Apr 14, 2016 08:53:00 AM

Cowboys TE James Hanna (active/PUP) has decided to undergo surgery on a lingering knee injury.

Hanna landed on the active/PUP list at the start of training camp with a bone bruise. The injury apparently has not responded to treatment, so he is opting for surgery. He will certainly miss all of the preseason, and there is a chance he could open the year on the reserve/PUP, costing him the first six games.

DallasCowboys.com speculates TE James Hanna could have a bigger offensive role this season.

With Gavin Escobar (Achilles') likely to start the year on the PUP, Hanna and 2015 seventh-rounder Geoff Swaim are expected to take on bigger roles. The extra snaps could lead to more offensive opportunities for Hanna, who has just 33 catches in four seasons, but there is little chance he will develop fantasy value behind iron man Jason Witten. Hanna signed a three-year, $8.25 million deal to stay in Dallas this offseason.

San Diego needs a backup for Antonio Gates after losing Ladarius Green to Pittsburgh. Hanna is a solid run-blocker and the Chargers could certainly use one of those after averaging a league-worst 3.5 yards per carry last year.

Hanna suffered a sprained MCL in the Cowboys' preseason opener and hasn't been able to get the knee right since. Hanna's absence has not translated for much more usage for Gavin Escobar; the oft-underutilized Escobar has four catches for 24 yards and one touchdown through two games.

Hanna was listed as questionable after missing practice Friday. It means more playing time for Gavin Escobar, who had seven fewer snaps than Hanna last week. Escobar could see an expanded red-zone role with Dez Bryant sidelined.

Hanna is likely to make Dallas' roster, but only as insurance at tight end, and as a special teamer. Despite great Combine measurables coming out of Oklahoma two years ago, Hanna isn't on the fantasy radar, even in Dynasty leagues.

James Hanna caught four passes for 20 yards in Sunday's Week 2 loss to the Chiefs.

Hanna, the Cowboys No. 2 tight end, saw five targets. They all came when Tony Romo had exhausted all other options and needed a mere safety valve. Even owners in the deepest of fantasy leagues can ignore Hanna.

Cowboys TE James Hanna believes he'll have a bigger role in 2013 despite the addition of Gavin Escobar.

"As practice has gone on, I feel like I’ve got a chance to get on the field quite a bit," Hanna said. The Cowboys are expected to use more two-tight end sets this season, but Escobar should be the primary beneficiary opposite Jason Witten provided he doesn't flop in camp.

Cowboys TE James Hanna is expected to be a "more prominent piece of the passing game" next season.

The 2012 sixth-rounder overtook John Phillips as the No. 2 tight end down the stretch, recording seven of his eight receptions in the final four games. An excellent athlete, Hanna offers much more potential than impending free agent Phillips as a receiver. It's something to keep in mind in case Jason Witten gets hurt.

Hanna wasn't a big stats guy in Oklahoma's spread offense, but he has excellent athleticism and could be a core special teamer if he translates his straight-line speed to kickoff coverage. He's in the mix for a roster spot.

"We feel like he has the measurables to be an on-the-line tight end, put his hand in the ground and block defensive ends in this league," Garrett said. Hanna lit up the Combine, but was never particularly productive in Oklahoma's pass-happy offense. With Jason Witten showing subtle signs of decline last season and John Phillips not being a special talent, however, Hanna is worth keeping on the radar in dynasty leagues.

Switzer had a scope to remove bone spurs. This shouldn't impact his status for the start of OTAs. Switzer was limited to special teams as a rookie but would be in the mix for a slot role if Dallas moves on from Cole Beasley ($3.5M salary).